It looks like I’m going to finish editing the re-release of my novel, Stillwaters, before I finish my novel Someone Like Them. Actually, that makes sense, especially since Someone Like Them, is the third installment of what I call the Stillwaters book series. For readers who are unfamiliar with the town of Stillwaters and some of the people in it, the re-release of the Stillwaters novel will introduce readers to the town. It’s an extraordinary place, and the characters that I create who live in and around the town find benefit from the association. In the Stillwaters novel, not only is the reader introduced to the town and its residents, but you get to meet Bev Cameron and Ray Wilson, two people who don’t look as though they have much in common, but looks can deceive. Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter of Stillwaters.
CHAPTER 1
“What do you mean, Ray is coming here?” Bev Cameron gripped the telephone tightly, uncertain that she heard her daughter correctly. Everyone in their family knew the strict criteria that must be followed in order to bring a stranger to her hometown, and Ray Wilson, the man who had been shamelessly flirting with her for years, did not fit the criteria. “There must be some mistake. Who told you this?”
“Thad.”
Bev knew that there was no doubt about the validity of the information. Her daughter’s husband was movie star Thad Stewart and he adored his wife, singing superstar Darnell Cameron. She was the love of his life, his confidante and his best friend. Thad wouldn’t lie to her.
Darnell explained. “Thad was excited about playing golf on the new course, and he said that he couldn’t wait for Ray to get here so they could play together. Then, he thought about what he had said he clammed up, but it was too late by then. It’s my guess that Ray’s coming with Dana.”
Bev was shocked. “My sister?”
“Who else could it be? Aunt Dana said that she was coming home and the two of them are friends.”
“That’s true, and it does make sense.” Bev could tell by Darnell’s tone that she was also finding it difficult to believe the scenario.
“What should we do?” the younger woman asked. “Tell the Family Council and have them stopped at the gate?”
“I’m not sure.” Bev considered the alternatives. “I’m just wondering why she’s bringing him here, and how she expects to get him into town.”
“There’s only one way that she can get him in,” Darnell affirmed, “and that’s with a lie.”
Bev knew that she was right. “Why would she do this?” Her heart sank at the idea of her younger sister engaging in such deception.
“Maybe it’s some move to stop Aunt Tessa’s family from taking over the town.” Even through the telephone Darnell could feel her mother’s pain. The two sisters had been estranged for quite some time and Dana’s return home might have provided an opportunity for their reconciliation, if it wasn’t for this new development. Darnell could hardly comprehend what her aunt must feel about their family to do something like this.
“You might be right,” Bev’s voice was hollow. “She’s probably plotting some kind of legal maneuver that could wreck havoc in the family.” She gave a shuttering sigh.
“So what’s the plan, Mama?” Darnell’s voice was filled with sadness.
Bev tried to think. “We’ll keep this to ourselves for now. If she gets past the gate with Ray, let’s see what Dana is up to.”
Darnell was receptive. “That sounds reasonable. Meanwhile, I’m going to see if I can pump some more information out of Thad. Kiss my little gem for me.”
The women disconnected and Bev sat reflecting on their conversation. What was Dana up to? What part did Ray Wilson play in her sister’s scheme? She was familiar with her younger sister’s escapades, but why had she aligned herself with that middle-aged playboy and dared breach the security of their family haven?
A loud yawn interrupted Bev’s musing and she looked down into the face of the little brown bundle nestled in her arms and smiled. Her granddaughter, six-month-old Nia Cameron-Stewart, was awake.
“Hey there, little one.” Gently, Bev caressed the baby’s soft cheek and was rewarded with a toothless grin. The dimples inherited from her father winked at her and Bev melted. This had to be the most beautiful baby in the world.
“Let’s get you something to eat.” She rose and headed toward the kitchen with Nia. “Then we’re going to wait for your Aunt Dana and your godfather Ray to arrive. When they do, there’s going to be some fireworks lighting up this town, and it’s not even close to being Independence Day.”
